James Beattie highlights Leeds' huge potential after reuniting with Monk as first-team coach

Leeds have appointed James Beattie as the club's new first-team coach.

Former Accrington Stanley manager James Beattie

Leeds United have confirmed the appointment of former Premier League striker James Beattie as their new first-team coach, reuniting him with Garry Monk.

The Whites appointed former Swansea boss Monk as their new manager last month, and he's been busy assembling the staff around him, with ex-Swansea assistant Pep Clotet and former Leeds goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan joining Monk so far.

Today though, Monk has landed another appointment, as he's brought James Beattie to the club as first-team coach, and much like Clotet, it's a reunion for the new Leeds boss.

Beattie, 38, had a stint as Accrington Stanley boss before joining Monk's backroom team at Swansea last summer, but left South Wales when Monk lost his job back in December.

Now though, Beattie - best known for his spells in the Premier League with Southampton, Everton and Stoke City as well as winning five caps for England - has been given another chance to work alongside Monk having been appointed as Leeds' first-team coach today.

Beattie's arrival has only been confirmed today, but he appears to have been working with the Leeds squad this week - and he's been talking about his move this afternoon.

Beattie also look towards the young players in the Lees squad, stating that he wants to create something 'really special' by developing the existing talent at Elland Road, with players like Charlie Taylor, Lewis Cook and Alex Mowatt set for bright futures.

"I’m delighted to be here," said Beattie. "It’s a huge club and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead. I’ve worked with Garry and Pep before and I know how they work with the high standards and the values that they’ll bring to the club. This club has got untold potential to be whatever it wants to be, and we see that as a challenge.

"I feel that the level of training and coaching we can bring to the club is of a very high standard. We’ve got a young squad that we are looking forward to developing, coaching and providing guidance. We need to get them playing in the right way and try to help everyone create something really special," he added.

Olly Dawes

Olly is a Sports Management graduate and aspiring journalist, with most of his work surrounding football or NFL. He has formed two of his own sites, as well as contributing to a number of others before starting with Here Is The City.